KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — Harimau Malaya defender Richard Chin has revealed he embraced Islam in November last year, ahead of his call-up to the national squad.
According to Harian Metro (HM), the England-born right-back, who has Malaysian and Seychellois heritage, confirmed he converted to Islam by reciting the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) late last year, saying the decision was made on his own accord.
“I recited the Shahada and embraced Islam in November last year. Alhamdulillah, I’m really happy to now be a Muslim,” Chin was quoted as saying.
The Raith Rovers player added that fan support over the past two years has motivated him to pursue his dream of representing Malaysia.
“I’ve received a lot of support from the fans over the past two years — it’s given me huge motivation to play for this country. Since Malaysia is a Muslim-majority nation, it makes the experience even better.”
Earlier, HM reported that the Raith Rovers defender, who plays in Scotland’s second-tier league, drew attention after a video was posted on the Malaysia NT Facebook page, showing him at Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque in Johor Bahru. He was participating in Maghrib and solat hajat prayers alongside players from both the Malaysian and Palestinian squads.
The now-viral clip showed the 22-year-old wearing a traditional robe and performing prayers with the congregation — surprising many local football fans.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, was also present at the gathering.
The revelation shed light on a personal aspect of Chin that many fans were previously unaware of — that he had quietly embraced Islam while still going by his former name.
During Monday’s Tier 1 international friendly at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Chin made his international debut for Harimau Malaya, coming on as a substitute in the 79th minute.
His presence at right-back helped solidify the national team’s defence in a surprise 1-0 victory over Palestine — Malaysia’s first win over the side in 24 years, the last being a 4-3 result in 2001.
